Palestinians enjoy a ride in an amusement park during the second day of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in the West Bank city of Jenin, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Eid, one of the most important holidays in the Muslim world, is marked with prayers, family reunions and other festivities. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas) less

Palestinians enjoy a ride in an amusement park during the second day of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in the West Bank city of Jenin, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Eid, one ... more

Photo: Mohammed Ballas

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Iraqi children play during an Eid holiday celebration in Basra, southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. The three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani) less

Iraqi children play during an Eid holiday celebration in Basra, southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. The three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AP ... more

Photo: Nabil Al-Jurani

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A Pakistani police officer stands guard as people arrive to offer Eid al-Fitr prayers at Sonahri mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Eid al-Fitr festival marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad) less

A Pakistani police officer stands guard as people arrive to offer Eid al-Fitr prayers at Sonahri mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Eid al-Fitr festival marks the end of the Muslim holy ... more

Photo: Mohammad Sajjaed

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Muslims mark Ramadan end

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CAIRO -- Far from the din and controversy roiling interfaith relations in the West, Muslims worldwide thronged mosques, cafes and parks in a solemn and joyful end to the fasting month of Ramadan.

Authorities increased security in some countries due to fears that violence could intrude on celebrations, but for most Muslims it was a day of peace, family -- and most importantly, food.

Friends and relatives feasted on spicy lamb, kebabs and saffron rice, while smokers happily puffed on cigarettes in broad daylight as the three-day Eid al-Fitr festival got under way Friday across the Muslim world.

During Ramadan, the faithful are supposed to abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex in a dawn-to-dusk period meant to test the faith and discipline of Muslims.

"It's nice to be eating, drinking and smoking during the daytime," said Jordanian banker Mutaz Kurdi, 37, as he walked his two children in an Amman park. "Fasting was difficult this year because of the summer heat."

The mood was glum in Pakistan as millions of flood victims did their best to celebrate in donated tents and makeshift shelters on Saturday as the country's leaders -- criticized for an inadequate response to the disaster -- pledged more aid.

Charities sent bags of gifts such as shiny plastic wrist bangles and candies to children displaced by the floods, which have affected some 18 million people. The water has receded in many places, but remains head-high in others.

"We don't have the happiness of Eid. What is the happiness?" said Amana Bibi, 25. "We don't have homes."

Business was brisk for ice cream vendors in Baghdad, where children decked out in holiday finery rode Ferris wheels at amusement parks and raced horse-drawn carts on traffic-free streets.